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Spinal Cord InjuryBCSCINCT07008157

Rehabilitation Program for Bladder Control in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

A study testing 1. IFC, 2. Timed voiding. and motor imagery training in people with Spinal Cord Injury, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial (with both participants and outcome assessors blinded to group assignments) was carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, following patient referrals. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years, men only
Conditions the study is for
Spinal Cord Injury
What is being tested?
1. IFC, 2. Timed voiding. and motor imagery training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
74 participants
Where
1 siteEgypt
Study dates
1 Oct 2024to 16 Apr 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • Men only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age
  • presenting with OAB symptoms
  • diagnosed with ISCI classified as AIS C or D above the L1 spinal level

Who cannot join

  • complete spinal cord injury
  • current urinary tract infections
  • a history of pelvic malignancy
  • prior bladder or pelvic surgeries
  • significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Egypt1 site
  • faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University

    Cairo, Cairo Governorate, P.O.Box 11432

Other trials in Egypt

About this study

Official title: Efficacy of a Multimodal Conservative Rehabilitation Program for Bladder Control in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial (with both participants and outcome assessors blinded to group assignments) was carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, following patient referrals. Participants were recruited between October 2024 and April 2025 from the National Institute of Urology and Nephrology in Mataria, as well as the Department of Urology and Nephrology at Kasr Alaini Hospital. All diagnoses were verified by a consultant urologist. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University, Egypt, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to enrollment.

Participants Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age presenting with OAB symptoms, confirmed through urodynamic testing, and diagnosed with ISCI classified as AIS C or D above the L1 spinal level, were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. Participants were required to be medically stable, able to follow study protocols, and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria included those with complete spinal cord injury (AIS A), current urinary tract infections, a history of pelvic malignancy, prior bladder or pelvic surgeries, or significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders.

Read the detailed description

This prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial (with both participants and outcome assessors blinded to group assignments) was carried out at the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, following patient referrals. Participants were recruited between October 2024 and April 2025 from the National Institute of Urology and Nephrology in Mataria, as well as the Department of Urology and Nephrology at Kasr Alaini Hospital. All diagnoses were verified by a consultant urologist. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University, Egypt, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to enrollment.

Participants Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age presenting with OAB symptoms, confirmed through urodynamic testing, and diagnosed with ISCI classified as AIS C or D above the L1 spinal level, were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. Participants were required to be medically stable, able to follow study protocols, and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria included those with complete spinal cord injury (AIS A), current urinary tract infections, a history of pelvic malignancy, prior bladder or pelvic surgeries, or significant cognitive or psychiatric disorders. Simple randomization was applied to allocate participants into one of two groups: the EG, which received IFC, PFMT, motor MIT, and timed voiding (TV); and the CG, which received IFC, PFMT, and TV. The randomization process involved a computer-generated sequence created using dedicated software to ensure an equal number of participants in each group. Allocation concealment was maintained by placing group assignments in sealed, opaque envelopes, which were opened sequentially as participants were enrolled in the study.

Outcome Measures

  1. Urodynamic assessments
  2. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)
  3. PFM strength Treatment procedures
  4. IFC therapy 2. Timed voiding. 3. Motor imagery Training 4. PFMT
Being tested
1. IFC, 2. Timed voiding., motor imagery training, pelvic floor muscles training
Keywords
Rehabilitation Program, Bladder Control, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Medical subject headings
Spinal Cord Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • 1. IFCOther

    IFC therapy was applied while the patient lay in a supine position with the knees slightly apart. Each treatment session involved four electrodes enclosed in lint cloth covers. Two electrodes were positioned bilaterally on the lower abdomen, just below the anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS), while the remaining two were placed on the inner surfaces of both thighs. To maintain hygienic standards, the cloth covers were replaced for each participant at every session. The intervention was administered three times weekly over an eight-week period. A frequency range of 0-10 Hz was used, and the current intensity was carefully adjusted based on each patient's comfort and tolerance. Each IFC session lasted 15 minutes, with the aim of modulating pelvic region activity to support improved bladder function. This protocol was implemented three times per week over an eight-week period

  • 2. Timed voiding.Other

    The approach involved instructing participants to follow a fixed, scheduled voiding routine, typically every 3 hours, irrespective of the sensation to urinate. Additionally, patients were advised to adjust their toileting posture by sitting and leaning forward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, allowing adequate time for complete bladder emptying. The technique also included practicing double voiding, where the individual would stand up and sit down again after the initial void to help ensure maximum bladder evacuation

  • motor imagery trainingOther

    Prior to initiating MIT, participants watched a 10-minute instructional video in a quiet treatment space, illustrating proper PFM contractions through both visual and auditory cues. The therapist provided a detailed explanation, using a simple analogy of the bladder as a balloon filled with urine, connected by a tube (the urethra) to the outside, and controlled by the PFM. It was explained that contracting these muscles tightens the balloon, holding back urine, whereas weak or relaxed muscles may lead to leakage. Patients were then guided to mentally visualize contracting and holding these muscles until they reached a suitable time and place (the toilet), without physically performing the action. Following this explanation, patients were asked to sit comfortably with their eyes closed and spend 10 minutes visualizing the movement and control of their PFM while remaining physically relaxed. Throughout the session, the therapist used open-ended prompts to help maintain the patient's focu

  • pelvic floor muscles trainingOther

    Before beginning each treatment session, participants were instructed to empty their bladders to promote comfort and relaxation during the exercises. All patients were taught a structured PFMT routine, to be performed daily in multiple positions such as lying, sitting, and standing. The program consisted of contracting the PFM for 10 seconds, followed by a 10-second relaxation period, with this sequence repeated 15 times in each session. To gradually enhance the endurance of the slow-twitch muscle fibers, both contraction and relaxation times were increased by one second each week. In addition, to activate and strengthen the fast-twitch muscle fibers, patients were directed to perform 20 quick, repetitive contractions and relaxations of the levator ani muscles - simulating the act of stopping urine flow, followed by a 10-second rest. This rapid contraction sequence was repeated for 2 to 4 sets in each session. This protocol was implemented three times per week over an eight-week period

Study groups in NCT07008157
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
experimental groupExperimentalreceived IFC, PFMT, motor MIT, and timed voiding (TV)1. IFC interferential current, pelvic floor muscles training, timed voiding, and motor imagery training
Receives: Other: 1. IFC; Other: 2. Timed voiding.; Other: motor imagery training; Other: pelvic floor muscles training
control groupActive comparatorparticipants received interferential current therapy, timed voiding, and pelvic floor muscles training
Receives: Other: 1. IFC; Other: 2. Timed voiding.; Other: pelvic floor muscles training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. 1. Urodynamic assessments

    These evaluations were carried out by experienced clinicians to maintain consistency and accuracy, providing real-time measurements of bladder function in a controlled environment. The procedure involved positioning the patient either supine or seated, followed by the insertion of a sterile catheter through the urethra into the bladder for fluid instillation and pressure monitoring. During cystometric testing, the bladder was gradually filled with sterile saline at a steady rate, while intravesical and abdominal pressures were continuously recorded. Key parameters measured included MCC, LPP, and the bladder volume at the first sensation of the urge to void

    Measured: at three time points: baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment, and at an 8-week follow-up

  2. Body Mass Index

    In this study, Body Mass Index (BMI) was used as an anthropometric measure to assess the weight status of patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. BMI was calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²). The classification of BMI values followed the guidelines established by the World Health Organization, where individuals with a BMI less than 18.5 kg/m² were considered underweight, those between 18.5-24.9 kg/m² were classified as having a normal weight, values from 25.0-29.9 kg/m² indicated overweight, and a BMI of 30.0 kg/m² or higher was categorized as obesity (World Health Organization, 2000).

    Measured: baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment, and at an 8-week follow-up.

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. 2. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)

    ICIQ-UI SF is a widely recognized, validated, and reliable tool designed to assess the severity of urinary incontinence and its effect on QOL. It has demonstrated strong validity and reliability, producing consistent, reproducible results across diverse clinical and research populations (Avery et al., 2004). In the present study, the ICIQ-UI SF was administered at three time points: baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention, and at an 8-week follow-up, in accordance with the study's schedule for evaluating changes in urinary symptoms and related QOL

    Measured: at three time points: baseline, after 8 weeks of intervention, and at an 8-week follow-up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted6 Jun 2025
  2. Study start1 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completion16 Apr 2025
  4. Study completion16 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
74 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07008157
Sponsor's protocol ID
PT.BU.EC.18
Acronym
BCSCI
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
19 May 2025
Last updated
6 Jun 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: data will be available when required

Publications

  • Elfahl AM, Abd El Baky AM, Yousef MT, Elgohary HM. High Versus Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation On Chronic Venous Lower Limb Ulceration Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2025 Jun;24(2):376-382. doi: 10.1177/15347346221093860. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

    PubMed 35422171
  • Elbalawy Y, Ibrahim ZM, Ibrahim Ali O, Elgohary HM. Efficacy of a multimodal conservative rehabilitation program for bladder control in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: A randomized controlled trial. J Int Med Res. 2026 Sep;54(9):3000605261464292. doi: 10.1177/03000605261464292. Epub 2026 Sep 8.

    PubMed 42711095

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing 1. IFC, 2. Timed voiding. and motor imagery training in people with Spinal Cord Injury, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

1. Urodynamic assessments (time frame: at three time points: baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment, and at an 8-week follow-up). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07008157, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Jun 2025.

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BCSCI Clinical Trial NCT07008157 | AzTrials